Once hailed as Delhi University’s answer to the prestigious Columbia Journalism School, the Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ) is now facing serious criticism from its students and alumni. They describe an environment marred by administrative repression, ideological imposition, and declining academic integrity, reported the Newsminute.
A recent incident has highlighted the deteriorating state of affairs: Bharati Gore, DSJ’s honorary director, was caught on video threatening students who raised concerns about infrastructure and soaring fees, saying, “Joote se peetungi (I’ll beat you with my shoe). Keep quiet.” The video quickly went viral, encapsulating what many describe as a culture of intimidation and ideological bias.
According to students, DSJ is no longer a space for critical learning and journalistic inquiry. Instead, it has become a stronghold of right-wing ideology. “It’s a saffronised madhouse,” said one student.
This ideological transformation was on full display last January when a mini consecration ceremony celebrating the Ram Mandir was held on campus — an event reportedly organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The RSS, the ideological parent of the ruling BJP, has long spearheaded campaigns such as the Ram Mandir movement, including the 1992 demolition of Babri Masjid.
Students observed that DSJ only celebrates Hindu festivals. “The administration itself hosts these events. I never saw celebrations for any other religion in my three years,” said Devansh Solanki, a former journalism student.
The institution, which opened in 2017 with grand ambitions, currently offers a five-year integrated journalism program and a master’s degree. However, students say the academic vision has been overshadowed by saffronisation. The curriculum and events are often seen as promoting a singular political narrative.
The school’s advisory board only reinforces this perception. Over half its members are linked to the BJP or RSS, including well-known media personalities like Anjana Om Kashyap (Aaj Tak), Hitesh Shankar (Panchjanya), and Rohit Panwar (Zee Media). Other members include figures who have previously stirred controversy, such as Professor SP Sharma, known for demanding a campus-wide meat ban and allegedly building a cow shelter on land designated for a women’s hostel.
With dissent stifled and ideological conformity enforced, many believe DSJ has strayed far from its original promise of nurturing fearless and independent journalists.
